New area code 269 effective July 13

June 20, 2002

KALAMAZOO -- Southwest Michigan's new area code goes live
in less than a month.
The new 269 area code will be introduced July 13.

WMU's Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Benton Harbor campuses are
included in the region that will change to the new code. The
Grand Rapids campus will retain the current 616 code. During
a seven-month introductory period, callers may use either the
old or new area code. Mandatory use of the 269 code is slated
for Feb. 15, 2003.

David H. Smith, WMU's director of graphics and design, recommends
that University offices begin distributing materials with the
new area code on Aug. 1. Remaining printed items may be used
through February 2003, but any new or reprinted materials should
include the 269 code. Web sites should be updated by August to
reflect the change.